How to Cut Bamboo Flooring

Tips

Bamboo flooring is a great renewable choice for flooring. It's beautiful, wears well and is fairly easy to install. The only real challenge with bamboo flooring is getting a nice, smooth cut. The strand-like composition of bamboo means that it splinters easily, and the ends can fray if it is not cut correctly.

The fibers in bamboo flooring make it difficult to cut, but it is possible to get a good cut with the right equipment.

Things You Will Need

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  • Grease pencil
  • Straightedge
  • Carbide finishing blade
  • Power saw with capability of at least 3600 rpm
  • Painter's tape
  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves

  • Measure and mark the bamboo where you want to cut it using a grease pencil and a straightedge. Double-check your measurements before cutting to make sure you don't wind up with a piece too long or too short.

  • Place a piece of painter's tape along the edge of the cutting line. Make sure the tape is even and straight along the edge. The tape will help prevent splintering.

  • Put on safety goggles and work gloves. Bamboo flooring can break and splinter easily, and flying splinters can be hazardous.

  • Set the power saw for a speed of at least 3600 rpm.

  • Cut along the grease-pencil line using a carbide finishing blade with at least 70 teeth. Be careful not to cut into the tape, which could gum up the blade. Make the cut in one long, smooth motion.

  • Remove the painter's tape by gently peeling it away from end to end, being careful not to pull any splinters or loose pieces from the edge of the bamboo flooring.

    • Tip

    Use an art gum eraser to rub away any remnants of the grease-pencil mark if necessary.

    Warning

    Don't use a dull blade to cut bamboo flooring. It will cause it to splinter, and you will likely end up with a jagged cut.

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